How to Make Strawberry Basil Quinoa Salad ("Masterchef Junior" Worthy)! by Donna John

The Strawberry Commission announced the winners of its 2015 summer #KidsCookOff recipe competition. The top three winners were selected by teen chef and FOX's Masterchef Junior Season 3 winner, Nathan Odom. Danielle McNerney, a 12-year-old from Maryland, won the grand prize for her savory Strawberry Basil Quinoa Salad recipe. Odom said he chose Danielle because her dish was easy, healthy and tasty.

You'll need:

• 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced or chopped
• 1 cup dried quinoa, cooked (makes about 3 cups)
• 1/4 cup shelled pistachios, chopped
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup fresh basil
• salt and pepper, to taste (optional)
• crumbled feta cheese (optional)

Here's how to make it:

1. Prepare quinoa according to package directions; set aside.
2. To flavor the olive oil with basil, in small pan, heat the olive oil and then sauté basil until crispy, about 4 minutes.
3. Remove basil and let drain on paper towel.
4. In mixing bowl, gently stir all ingredients.
5. Garnish with feta cheese and crumbled fried basil leaves.

Read more about this recipe here!